Updates in (UTC+4/GMT+4)
24.04.2021
Anastasiades: We hold hands firmly with our Armenian brothers
Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades took to his Twitter to commemorate Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.
“We stand with reverence and pain before their sacrifice,” he noted. “We hold hands firmly with out Armenian brothers, who live here together, in our homeland.”
“We continue the effort for the recognition of the genocide by the world community,” Anastasiades concluded.
Alexis Ohanian weighs in on “important” Biden Armenian Genocide call
Reddit co-founder and entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian believes that the expected recognition of the Armenian Genocide by U.S. President Joe Biden is important.
Ohanian reminded that because of political reasons “the U.S. has never had the spine” to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide, and it sounds like Biden is about to.
“It’s literally the least that we as Americans can do, but it is important, because it is a part of our identity of descendants of genocide survivors, especially for the American Diaspora,” he said.
“It’s part of our identity that these horrific things happened, but the perpetrators have been able to get away with denying it for a hundred years, and the people you would expect to hold them accountable, like the most powerful nation in the world, have been too scared or thought it not important enough to acknowledge this historical fact,” Alexis added.
He said recognition by Joe Biden would be an important step. “It does not really do anything to Armenia today, but it is still important.”
Paylan: Only Turkey’s recognition of Genocide can heal Armenians’ wounds
Garo Paylan, a Turkish-Armenian lawmaker from the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), believes that only Turkey’s recognition of the Genocide can heal the wounds of the Armenian people.
In an interview with CivilNet, Paylan said U.S. President Joe Biden’s expected acknowledgement can’t remedy the Armenians’ wounds. According to him, only the Turkish parliament and the Turkish President is capable of that.
Paylan noted that justice must be restored where the crime was committed. He said the democratization of Turkey is key, and although there is still a long way to go, he and his colleagues are fighting for that.
Armenia will fight until Turkey “finds the strength” to recognize Genocide
The impunity of the Armenian Genocide inspire new crimes today, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on the 106th anniversary of the mass killings at the hands of the Ottoman Empire.
“The recent war unleashed by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and the genocidal actions of the Turkish-Azerbaijani alliance during that war demonstrated that their approaches towards “solving” international issues by force have not changed,” the statement said.
“The crimes committed against the Armenians of Artsakh proved that the recognition of the Armenian Genocide is imperative not only for historical justice and truth, but also for the security of the Armenian people.
“The aim of the Armenian Genocide was the complete annihilation of the Armenian people. Thanks to the collective efforts of the Armenian people, as well as the support provided to the survivors of the genocide by different countries and peoples, the Armenian people survived the greatest calamity of its history with dignity.
“This struggle will continue until the Turkish government finds the strength to recognize the Armenian Genocide and undertake steps towards eliminating its consequences.”
Macron on Genocide: Armenians are not alone in struggle for justice
French President Emmanuel Macron has sent a letter to President Armen Sarkissian on the 106th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, writing that his thoughts go out to Armenia, which has suffered the hardships of history.
“My thoughts go out to the Armenian people, those who miraculously escaped the Genocide, and the refugees who were accepted by France, and whose descendants built our country. We will never forget,” the French leader said in his letter.
Macron reminded that France designated April 24 as a “national day of commemoration of the Armenian Genocide” back in 2019. He noted that the struggle for justice and truth will not stop, since this is not only Armenians’ struggle.
“On April 24, more than any other day, our two peoples are united around memory. Accepting the truth, it is our duty to remember the past, pay tribute to the fallen and respect the memory of the living, in order to prevent oblivion, denial, and lies. Being there for you throughout history, we are also responsible for the future now, when your country has gone through a devastating conflict, in which an enormous amount of blood has been shed,” Macron said.
“It is necessary to create a new page of peace, prosperity and reconciliation. The fight in the name of justice and truth, which France has fought with you and will continue to do so, will not stop, since it is not only a fight of Armenians. It is at the heart of the principle of fraternity of the French Republic.”
European People’s Party calls on Turkey to recognize Armenian Genocide
Today we commemorate the Armenian genocide of 1915. We reaffirm the recognition and condemnation of the Genocide and Great National Dispossession of the Armenian people on the eve of its 106th Anniversary. This is noted in a statement posted Saturday on the Facebook page of the European People’s Party (EPP).
“We join and strongly support the commitment of Armenia and the Armenian people to continue the international struggle for the prevention of genocides, the restoration of the rights of people subjected to genocide and the establishment of historical justice.
We invite Turkey to take the necessary measures pursuant to its international commitments to recognize and to condemn the Armenian Genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire, and to face its own history and memory through commemorating the victims of that heinous crime against humanity.
We strongly believe that such move will promote long-lasting peace, stability and human rights in the whole region,” also reads the EPP statement.
Greek President honors memory of Armenian Genocide victims
Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou paid tribute to the victims of the Armenian Genocide.
She laid a wreath at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square in Athens, paying tribute to the memory of the 1.5 million victims of the 1915 Genocide in the Ottoman Empire.
Sakellaropoulou called the massacres of Armenians a tragedy that was indelibly imprinted in the first decades of the 20th century, a genocide that crushed the thriving Christian core in the South Caucasus and almost destroyed the ancient people.
Artsakh President: We again have forcibly displaced people, generation of martyrs, lost homeland 106 years later
STEPANAKERT – Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) President Arayik Harutyunyan has issued a message on the occasion of the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. This was reported by the President’s Office. The message reads as follows:
Dear compatriots,
Today we again remember and bow our heads before the memory of the innocent victims of the 1915 Genocide committed by the Ottoman Turkey against the Armenian people.
106 years have passed since that cruel and horrible crime. Times, generations, authorities have changed, but one thing has remained unchanged: it is the continuation of the genocidal policy, grossly violating and trampling all the norms and principles of international law, fundamental human rights, and legitimate interests.
106 years later, we again have a forcibly displaced people, a whole generation of martyrs and disabled people, compatriots in [Azerbaijani] captivity, a lost homeland.
Today the security of the people of Artsakh is ensured by the peacekeeping troops of the Russian Federation. We thank them, we thank all the countries and peoples, statesmen and politicians, organizations and ordinary people who at the crucial moment reached out for help to our compatriots who survived the clutches of death in 1915, who stood with the Armenian people all these years and supported our struggle for the protection of universal values and the restoration of historical justice.
Recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide is a telling testament to commitment to these values, as well as a means of preventing further crimes against humanity.
The Armenian people continue their struggle, building their Homeland, and always keeping alive the memory of the holy martyrs for the prevention of genocides and the survival of the Armenian people.
23.04.2021
Joe Biden said to be preparing to formally recognise the Armenian genocide
Powerful torchlight procession sets off to Armenian Genocide memorial
PanARMENIAN.Net – The traditional torchlight procession commemorating the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide started from the Republic Square in downtown Yerevan on Saturday, April 23 – on the eve of the day Armenians honor the memory of the innocent victims each year.
This annual procession is the symbolic part of the struggle for the global recognition of the mass killings.
Prior to the launch of the march, which usually involves thousands of participants, the youth paid tribute to the 1.5 million innocent victims of the first Genocide of the 20th century with a moment of silence.
Carrying Armenian tricolors and torches and chanting national songs, the protesters are marching towards Tsitsernakaberd where the Armenian Genocide memorial is nestled.
On April 24, 1915, a large group of Armenian intellectuals was rounded up and assassinated in Constantinople by the Ottoman government. On April 24, Armenians worldwide will be commemorating the 106th anniversary of the Genocide which continued until 1923. Some three dozen countries, hundreds of local government bodies and international organizations have so far recognized the killings of 1.5 million Armenians as Genocide. Turkey denies to this day.
French Senate delegation to attend Armenian Genocide commemoration
The President of the French Senate Gérard Larcher will lead a delegation to Armenia to participate in events commemorating the 106th anniversary of the Genocide.
The French delegation will arrive in the country at the invitation of the President of the Armenian National Assembly, Ararat Mirzoyan.
Senator Valérie Boyer will also be visiting Armenia to pay tribute the memory of the victims at Tsitsernakaberd, the memorial complex in Yerevan, Boyer herself said in a tweet. Boyer has been a staunch supporter of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and a bill she authored was approved by the National Assembly in December 2011.
25.04.2020
21:12 US House Speaker issues statement commemorating Armenian Genocid
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement marking 105 years since the beginning of the Armenian Genocide:
“On this solemn day, 105 years after the leaders of the Ottoman Empire began their systematic extermination of 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children, we take time to honor the victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide. The horrific acts of barbarism perpetrated against innocent Armenians remains a stain on human history and a chilling reminder of our responsibility to stay vigilant against atrocities in our own time.
“The facts are undeniable. Yet, generations of Armenians have had to fight tirelessly against those who attempted to rewrite history and deny the truth of the Armenian Genocide. That is why, last year, the U.S. Congress sought to right this grievous wrong by overwhelmingly voting to stand firmly on the side of honesty and etch the truth of the Armenian Genocide forever into the Congressional Record. In doing so, we honored those who were silenced forever and reaffirmed our commitment to never stay silent or allow these crimes to ever happen again.
“Today, as the world faces an unprecedented crisis, we must heed the lessons of this dark hour in history and summon the strength to speak out against heinous acts of discrimination, racism and violence wherever and whenever they occur. Together, we must insist on the truth of our past, oppose the forces of hatred in our present and advance the blessings of hope and peace for our future.”
01:34 Syria commemorates victims of Armenian Genocide
Masses and prayers were held on Friday in a number of provinces to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the genocide committed against the Armenians at the hands of the Ottomans, which claimed the lives of over 1.5 million people, SANA reported.
The masses and prayers were held without the presence of congregations due to the precautionary measures against Coronavirus.
Bells in Armenian churches in Damascus and all over the world tolled at 11 am to commemorate the anniversary.
Mass and prayers were held at the Armenian Orthodox Diocese in Damascus, presided upon by Bishop Armash Nalbandian. According to him, Syria was the haven and salvation of the ancestors, and the Armenian community will raise future generations to remember the kindness of the Syrian people who embraced their ancestors.
Prayers and masses were also held at the Virgin Mary Church in Aleppo and the Virgin Mary Church in Lattakia.
00:34 Hoyer Statement on 105th Anniversary of Armenian Genocide
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement on the 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide:
“I join in observing the 105th anniversary of the start of the Armenian Genocide, which led to the deaths of more than 1.5 million people over four years. This first genocide of the twentieth century began with the persecution of writers, clergy, teachers, political figures, physicians, and intellectuals and later saw massacres and death marches on a horrific scale. For Armenian Americans, this is a day of somber remembrance, one of mourning and somber reflection. For descendants of survivors, is a time to recall family members lost and communities destroyed.
“I was proud to bring a resolution to the House Floor in October recognizing the Armenian Genocide, which passed the House with strong bipartisan support. With the Senate also taking action, it marked the first time in history that both chambers of Congress passed resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide. America has a special responsibility to ensure that the memory of this genocide is preserved so future generations will not forget what happened and that the horrors of that period will never again be repeated, just as we remember the evils of the Nazis later in the century, who drew lessons from the Armenian Genocide when perpetrating their own. “The Democratic-led House will continue to call out racism, intolerance, and injustice wherever it occurs, and we will continue to fight for policies that preserve our country as a beacon of hope and a welcoming place for those seeking freedom, safety, and a better life in our century.”
00:08 Macron on Armenian Genocide: We will never forget
French President Emmanuel Macron has tweeted on the commemoration day of the Armenian genocide.
“On this April 24, the commemoration day of the Armenian genocide, we are with all those who fight for memory and justice. We will never forget,” he said in a tweet.
24.04.2020
21:23 Joe Biden: If elected, I pledge to support a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide
Former vice president of the United States, presidential candidate Joe Biden, pledged, if elected, he would support a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide.
His statement runs as follows:
“Today we remember the atrocities faced by the Armenian people in the Metz Yeghern — the Armenian Genocide. From 1915 to 1923, almost 2 million Armenians were deported en mass, and 1.5 million men, women, and children were killed. Greeks, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Syriacs, Arameans, Maronites, and other Christians were also targeted. We must never forget or remain silent about this horrific and systematic campaign of extermination. And we will forever respect the perseverance of the Armenian people in the wake of such tragedy.
It is particularly important to speak these words and commemorate this history at a moment when we are reminded daily of the power of truth, and of our shared responsibility to stand against hate — because silence is complicity. If we do not fully acknowledge, commemorate, and teach our children about genocide, the words “never again” lose their meaning. The facts must be as clear and as powerful for future generations as for those whose memories are seared by tragedy. Failing to remember or acknowledge the fact of a genocide only paves the way for future mass atrocities.
During my years in the Senate, I was proud to lead efforts to recognize the genocide against the Armenian people. Last year, I was pleased to endorse bipartisan legislation in the House and Senate that officially recognized and established an ongoing U.S. commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. If elected, I pledge to support a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide and will make universal human rights a top priority for my administration.
I stand today with all Armenians and the Armenian-American community, which has contributed so much to our nation, in remembering and honoring the victims of the Armenian Genocide.”
21:09 Armenian Americans in L.A. donate over 3 million meals to COVID-19 impacted families to mark 105th anniversary of Armenian Genocide
In honor of Friday marking the 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian American community is raising funds to donate more than 1.5 million meals to those in need amid the coronavirus pandemic, in honor of 1.5 million Armenians who were killed by the Ottoman Turks.
For the past 55 years, the Armenian community of Los Angeles has marched the streets of Hollywood to commemorate the memory of — and demand recognition for — the Armenian Genocide of 1915. This year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, they’re switching gears to help American families affected by the crisis.
“In honor of the 1.5 million lives, we are committing to donate enough funds to support 1.5 million meals for Americans in need,” Alex Galitsky of the Armenian National Committee of America said.
In less than a week, that goal was surpassed, with 3,300,000 meals donated through Feeding America, the nation’s largest network of food banks, pantries and meal programs. The We Thank You America campaign was organized by the Armenian Genocide Committee, the United Armenian Council and the Unified Young Armenians.
The initiative gives thanks to a humanitarian mission called Near East Foundation, formed by the U.S. a century ago, which helped save 132,000 Armenian orphans displaced by the genocide and established hospitals and refugee camps.
In December, both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate passed resolutions formally recognizing the Armenian Genocide, prompting denunciations by Turkey, which accused the U.S. of undermining its relations with a key NATO ally.
Every year, on April 24, the community and allies rally in front of the Turkish Consulate in L.A. to demand that the perpetrators of the genocide recognize the atrocity. More than 100,000 Angelenos participated in the March for Justice in the 100th year commemoration in 2015.
“Next year, hopefully when all is better, we will be back to the streets to demand justice for the wrongs that were done to the Armenian people during the first genocide of the 20th century,” Glendale City Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian said.
This year, in lieu of marches, events are all virtual.
“My great-grandfather was murdered but my grandfather was a survivor. … I never forget that,” mayor of Montebello Jack Hadjinian said. “Growing up I knew that this was the day that I had to spend my day commemorating, attending a protest… and now it’s like I’m going to do that from my living room.”
In a message to the diaspora community, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti said, “We will never stop fighting,” repeating the same message in Armenian for the 150,000 Armenians living in L.A. County.
To donate, visit 1915neveragain.org. Every $1 pays for 10 meals.
20:30 President Trump Tightens Turkey’s Grip over White House Policy on the Armenian Genocide
White House Enforces Foreign Gag-Rule Even in Wake of Last Year’s Near-Unanimous Congressional Passage of Armenian Genocide Resolution
WASHINGTON, DC – In the wake of last year’s near-unanimous recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the House and Senate, President Donald Trump has chosen to close out his first term in office – isolated and alone – as the last remaining American enforcer of Ankara’s gag-rule against honest U.S. remembrance of this crime, a move sharply condemned by the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
For four straight years, President Trump failed to properly condemn as ‘genocide’ the Ottoman Turkish government’s annihilation of millions of Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Syriacs, Arameans, Maronites, and other Christians in his annual April 24th commemorative statement – despite having campaigned on a promise to stand up for persecuted Christians and other at-risk faith-based groups around the world.
“Armenian Genocide denial is a policy manufactured in Ankara, exported to America, and enforced in Washington by President Trump,” said Armenian National Committee of America ANCA Executive Director Aram Suren Hamparian. “Once again, President Trump copied and pasted the transparently euphemistic, patently offensive April 24th evasions issued by Barack Obama and his other predecessors – essentially isolating his Administration as the last major American co-conspirator in Turkey’s obstruction of justice for the Armenian Genocide.”
“Despite last year’s near-unanimous Congressional recognition of the Armenian Genocide, President Trump has, once again, granted Turkish President Erdogan – an openly anti-American dictator – a veto over honest U.S. remembrance of Turkey’s WWI-era genocide of millions of Armenians and other Christians,” continued Hamparian.
“Having promised an America First presidency, President Trump has pursued a Turkey First policy on the Armenian Genocide. Having pledged to protest the persecution of Christians abroad, he has enforced a foreign gag-rule against honest remembrance of this crime against millions of defenseless Christian martyrs. Having vowed to restore U.S. leadership, he has, instead, outsourced American human rights policy to a foreign dictator,” concluded Hamparian.
The President’s full statement is provided below on 17:50 post
19:31 Statement of Canada’s PM on Armenian Genocide Memorial Day
he Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the statement on the Armenian Genocide Memorial Day, Trudeau’s press service reported.
“Today, we join Armenian communities in Canada and around the world to commemorate and honour the memory of victims of the Armenian genocide – a dark period of history that we must never forget.
“On this solemn day, we pay tribute to those who unjustly suffered and lost their lives as a result of this tragic period. We also honour their descendants, including Canadians of Armenian heritage who have contributed so much to strengthening our country.
“As we recognize the strength and spirit of the Armenian people, we also look forward with hope to a future of peace and mutual respect.
“Hatred and violence must never again be met with indifference. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to building a world where everyone can feel safe from discrimination and persecution, no matter who they are, where they are from, or what they believe.”
19:16 Frank Pallone: Armenia moves more towards democracy in a market economy, Turkey does the opposite
US Congressman Frank Pallone has issued a video-statement amid the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.
“I’m happy that so many Armenian-Americans and their organizations worked hard in the last session of Congress to pass a resolution both in the House and the Senate to commemorate the Genocide.”
“It was a long time coming and many of us worked many years to achieve that. And so that was a major success. At the same time, I do want to mention that we’ve had a major event take place in the last few years in the Armenian Republic with the Velvet Revolution and the consequences of that were the new government.”
According to him, they have had a lot more closer ties with the new parliament.
“And as a result of that a lot has happened for example: in Armenia, the parliament has passed a lot of initiatives that create more transparency and open government improvements in the judicial system.”
In the meantime, Pallone noted: “The Turkish government has been taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to crack down even more so on social media and media outlets within Turkey, using it as an excuse to do that and really reducing the free press and the free media in Turkey. They’ve also taken the opportunity to free political, to free prisoners from their jails of which there are hundreds of thousands, but they haven’t freed the political prisoners who opposed the Erdogan regime because of its dictatorial policies.”
“So what’s happening in Armenia is very much the opposite of what’s happening in Turkey. Armenia moves more towards democracy in a market economy, Turkey does the opposite.”
Pallone has also referred to the Artsakh presidential elections.
“The other thing I wanted to mention too is that Artsakh recently had a very successful presidential election, very transparent. Those who have monitored it said that it was very much like what you’d want to see in a democracy. And once again Artsakh has proven the fact that it is a true democracy and should be recognized by the US, and all countries of the world as a truly democratic republic and a sovereign nation.”
18:50 Pro-Kurdish party of Turkey: We confront Armenian Genocide with shame
Opposition and pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) of Turkey has issued a statement on the 105th anniversary of Armenian Genocide.
“Turkey has not confronted the Armenian Genocide [issue] for already 105 years. Moreover, it gave the names of the main culprits of the genocide to a number of public places.
The Armenian Genocide has been recognized by dozens of parliaments around the world, but the parliament of the country of that crime does not speak about it for already 105 years.
If Turkey confronts the crimes of the past, recognizes and condemns them, it will be a great contribution to social peace. We, as the Peoples’ Democratic Party, will fight to ensure that confronting.
As the grandchildren of the indigenous peoples of Anatolia, we confront the Armenian Genocide with shame, share the grief of the Armenian and Assyrian peoples. We feel in our hearts the human tragedy that has taken place, and we pay tribute to the memory of all those who were massacred at that time,” the statement reads, in particular.
17:50 Trump issues statement on 105th anniversary of Armenian Genocide
US President Donald Trump has issued a stateemnt on the 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
The statement runs as follows:
“Today, we join the global community in memorializing the lives lost during the Meds Yeghern, one of the worst mass atrocities of the 20th century. Beginning in 1915, 1 and a half million Armenians were deported, massacred, or marched to their deaths in the final years of the Ottoman Empire. On this day of remembrance, we pay respect to those who suffered and lost their lives, while also renewing our commitment to fostering a more humane and peaceful world.
Every year on April 24, we reflect on the strong and enduring ties between the American and Armenian peoples. We are proud of the founders of the American Committee for Armenian and Syrian Relief, a ground-breaking effort established in 1915 that provided crucial humanitarian support to Armenian refugees, and grateful for the thousands of Americans who contributed or volunteered to help Armenians expelled from their homes.
On this day, we bear witness to the strength and resiliency of the Armenian people in the face of tragedy. We are fortunate that so many Armenians have brought their rich culture to our shores and contributed so much to our country, including decorated soldiers, celebrated entertainers, renowned architects, and successful businesspeople.
We welcome efforts by the Armenians and Turks to acknowledge and reckon with their painful history. On this day, we believe it is our obligation to remember those who suffered and perished and reaffirm our commitment to protecting vulnerable religious and ethnic minorities around the world.”
16:17 French PM addresses letter to Pashinyan on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
Prime Minister of France Édouard Philippe addressed a letter to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
“I would like to once again join France’s voice to all those who are tirelessly demanding everyone to recognize an entire nation’s murder,” Philippe said in the letter, according to the Armenian Embassy in France.
15:20 PM Pashinyan addresses message from Tsitsernakaberd Memorial on Armenian Genocide 105th anniversary
On the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Mrs. Anna Hakobyan visited the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial, the PM’s Office told Armenpress.
Prime Minister Pashinyan delivered a message from the heights of Tsitsernakaberd, in which he stated:
“Dear people,
Proud citizens of the Republic of Armenia,
Proud citizens of the Republic of Artsakh,
Proud Diaspora-based Armenians,
Today, April 24, 2020 marks the 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ottoman Turkey’s long-standing policy of Armenophobia culminated in 1915 during the Young Turk government.
Due to the Genocide that had been perpetrated at a state level for many years, Western Armenia was completely emptied of Armenians. 1.5 million of our compatriots were killed, hundreds of thousands of Armenians became refugees, deprived of the right to live in their historical homeland.
Due to the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian people not only suffered enormous human losses, but were subjected to deportation and a cultural genocide. The loss of the spiritual and religious heritage was irreparable; its material damage was enormous.
The Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire was a crime not only against our ethnic identity, but also against human civilization. And April 24, 1915, became the strongest symbol of this whole process, because on that very day hundreds of Armenian intellectuals, religious and political figures were arrested, exiled, killed or disappeared by order of the Young Turk government.
For 55 years now, we have been commemorating the victims of the Armenian Genocide on April 24. For the first time, it was marked in 1965, when thousands of Armenians were allowed to hold a mass commemorative event in Yerevan. This was not only due to the “thaw” in the Soviet Union, but also to the fact that in 1946-49 about a hundred thousand Armenians, mostly descendants of Genocide victims, repatriated and became an integral part of Soviet Armenia.
The government of Soviet Armenia decided to declare April 24 a day of remembrance for Genocide victims and to build a memorial in Tsitsernakaberd. That majestic monument became a vivid symbol of our people’s eternity.
At the same time, a movement for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide started in the colonies of the Armenian Diaspora. The movement that spearheaded the political and social structures in the Diaspora for many decades succeeded in many countries owing to advocates’ tireless efforts.
The Armenian Genocide has been officially recognized by 30 countries around the world, and we are grateful to all those states, international organizations, religious and secular leaders who expressed solidarity with the Armenian people and recognized and condemned the Armenian Genocide.
Dear compatriots,
Armenians all over the world are today commemorating the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide. Why did our feelings failed to fade away after a century, and the memory is now even brighter in our hearts? The answer is simple. More than a century has passed, but the consequences of the Genocide have not been eliminated. Turkey has not yet apologized for what it did. That is why we declare that we remember and demand.
At the same time, we consider that the recognition of the Armenian Genocide is not only our national cause, but it is a matter of global agenda, because April 24 is not only a day of remembrance for our innocent victims, but a day of commemoration of a major crime committed against mankind, a day of calling for the fight against denial, a day of responsibility to prevent other serious crimes against humanity.
And yet, April 24 is first of all the most compelling opportunity to think about the past and the future of our nation, our people, the right moment for self-recognition, for appreciating our strength and the steps to take ahead.
So, what conclusions should we draw from April 24?
First, the Young Turk government issued a death sentence against the Armenian people in 1915 and did everything to enforce that awful decision. The one and a half million sanctified Armenian martyrs strengthened our will to live, create, get stronger, remember and demand; our nation triumphed over death.
The second and equally important consequence is that we are still facing the challenges posed to our people at the outset of the twentieth century. And the only way to effectively defy these challenges is to have a powerful statehood and build an Armenia ready to face security threats.
Yes, we must spare no effort to achieve a lasting peace in the region, to resolve all disputes and conflicts on the basis of mutual respect by means of negotiations and through peaceful means. But only a capable, dignified and sovereign state can defend itself.
Yes, we must spare no effort to deepen our relations with our allies, to make them more institutional and reliable, and to increase the number of our allies in the world. But only a capable, dignified and sovereign state can create a real opportunity to achieve such a result.
In order to have a highly capable, dignified and sovereign state, we need an education system that meets all modern standards, a dynamically developing high-tech economy, a well-established military-industrial complex, a powerful army and special services. By consolidating the pan-Armenian potential around the Armenian statehood we will guarantee our nation’s scientific, diplomatic and economic progress.
To solve this practical problem, we must be able to formulate our national concept, our national ideology, our vision, which will form nationwide consensus on our national values, national goals and national strategy, which will protect, preserve and develop our identity. It will provide guarantees for our competitiveness in the modern world and in the future. In the near future, I will present a draft of such a concept and strategy for a pan-Armenian discussion.
Dear compatriots,
This year we are marking April 24 in exceptional conditions. The new type of coronavirus has placed us all in an unimaginable situation when the 55-year-old April 24 march of hundreds of thousands of citizens shall not be held in a bid to avoid the current epidemic.
First of all, I would like to thank all our compatriots for their understanding of the government’s decision. I should note that our compatriots are facing a similar situation in the Diaspora.
Amid the ongoing crisis, we have tried to find an opportunity to ensure a greater coverage of April 24 events: this year millions of people from around the world will have the opportunity to attend the April 24 march that will take place in a virtual space.
To participate in the march, you must continue to stay at home, and just send your name to the short number 1915, if you are in Armenia, and to +374 33 19 15 00, if you are abroad, which means that your names will be displayed from this evening until dawn on the pillars of Tsitsernakaberd Memorial.
The virtual march will start at 22:00 tonight. It will continue until dawn, and thousands of your foreign friends and acquaintances will have the opportunity to participate in it.
Dear compatriots,
April 24 has been a symbol of our national unity, consolidation and discipline for many years. This symbol must be much stronger, much more visible today, and I am sure it will be such.
And therefore,
Long live freedom!
Long live the Republic of Armenia!
Long live the Republic of Artsakh!
Long live the Armenian Diaspora!
Long live us and our children, who now live and will live in a free and happy Armenia!
We remember and demand!”
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan laid a wreath at the Memorial. He joined Mrs. Anna Hakobyan to lay flowers at the Eternal Flame commemorating the victims of the Armenian Genocide.
15:18 Armenian Genocide 105th anniversary commemoration ceremony is held in Tbilisi
A commemoration event dedicated to the memory of the canonized martyrs of Armenian Genocide was held Friday at the Holy Etchmiadzin Armenian Church in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Armenia’s Ambassador to Georgia Ruben Sadoyan and the entire staff of the embassy took part in the ceremony.
Afterward, the attendees laid flowers before of the cross-stone at the churchyard, and devoted to the victims of the Genocide.
14:20 Macron: France committed to protecting memory of Armenian Genocide victims more than ever
France is committed to protecting the memory of the Armenian Genocide victims and fighting against denial, President Emmanuel Macron said in a letter addressed to Armenian President Armen Sarkissian on April 24 marking the 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
“On April 24, France commemorates the massacre of 600 Armenian intellectuals in Constantinople, which marked the beginning of the Genocide. Now, more than ever, France is committed to protecting the memory of the victims, fighting against denial and learning a lesson from the tragic pages of history,” the letter read.
“Last year, my country declared April 24 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, according to my commitment. Strictly adhering to the instructions driven by the current health crisis, I have decided that this year, too, the day should be marked in Paris with a brief ceremony in attendance of members of the French government,” the French leader said.
Whatever the challenges, Armenia can always count on France, Macron said.
13:55 President Anastasiades on Armenian Genocide: Cyprus remembers victims of this abhorrent crime
Today marks the 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide perpetuated by the Ottoman empire, Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades tweeted.
“Cyprus remembers the victims of this abhorrent crime and honours them by supporting the efforts for the recognition of the genocide by the international community” he said.
Today marks the 105th anniversary of the #ArmenianGenocide perpetuated by the Ottoman empire. #Cyprus remembers the victims of this abhorrent crime and honours them by supporting the efforts for the recognition of the genocide by the international community.#1915NeverAgain
— Nicos Anastasiades (@AnastasiadesCY) April 24, 2020
13:55 Armenian Genocide commemoration events being held in Ukraine
Events dedicated to Armenian Genocide victims are being held in Ukraine, AnalitikaUA.net reported.
But these events started a few days ago. Posters, billboards, streetlights, and other social media information about the Armenian Genocide were posted on the streets of major Ukrainian cities and the capital city, Kyiv..
And Friday’s commemorative events began with prayers in all Armenian churches in Ukraine. And the ceremony of laying flowers at the Armenian cross-stone in downtown Kyiv took place in accordance with all the rules of quarantine and was not crowded. Solely representatives of the Armenian community and clergy as well as of the Armenian embassy in Ukraine attended the ceremony.
According to Hovakim Harutyunyan, Executive Director of the Union of Armenians of Ukraine, the social video, entitled “Armenians: Thank you for the opportunity to flourish again,” was broadcast on dozens of Ukrainian TV channels.
13:26 France MP: Armenian Genocide issue is still relevant today
The issue of the Armenian Genocide and also the genocide of Christians of the East is still relevant today, member of the French National Assembly Valerie Boyer told Armenpress, addressing a message to the Armenian people on the 105th anniversary of Armenian Genocide.
“I stay at home, but do not forget and today I am addressing my message to you from my home on April 24, the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day,” the French MP said. “Unfortunately, we cannot be physically present, but psychologically, I want to say to you that the issue of the Armenian Genocide and at the same time the genocide of Christians in the East is still relevant today. It’s first of all relevant as the history is stagnant: several years ago we again witnessed massacres of Christians and Yazidis in the East, in addition, as that memory is still alive and, of course, as it is still denied by the Turkish leadership and as the atrocities still continue against Armenia and Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh]—both by Azerbaijan and Turkey, and both at military and diplomatic channels.”
According to Boyer, these relevant issues remind that Armenia is a sister of France and also how important is today the recognition of the Genocide and the condemnation of its denial for the sake of memory, but also for today.
12:49 3 Armenian Genocide survivors still living in Armenia
According to official documents, there are currently three Armenian Genocide survivors living in Armenia, Armenpress reported.
Armenpress asked the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs social protection service to use the pension database to find out how many survivors of this genocide were still alive in Armenia.
According to the ministry, all three living Armenian Genocide survivors in Armenia are women—Ovsanna Mirkhanyan (born in 1915), Mari Kirakosyan (born in 1908), and Yepraksi Gevorgyan (born in 1914).
In 2013, when Armenpress launched its Eyewitness project, there were 40 Armenian Genocide survivors living in Armenia.
12:25 Ukrainian internal affairs minister Avakov on Armenian Genocide: Impunity breeds new crimes
Ukrainian internal affairs minister Arsen Avakov expressed tribute to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.
“April 24 is a Remembrance Day of the Armenian genocide, a day of pain and sorrow for the millions of people killed from 1915 to 1924” he tweed. “A tragedy that the world then chose not to notice. But impunity breeds new crimes! Remember, not to be allowed again!”
11:26 Catholicos of All Armenians visits Genocide memorial in Yerevan
Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, accompanied by the members of the clergy, visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan. They were maintaining a social distance.
The clergy, led by the Catholicos, sang the Lord’s Prayer at the Eternal Flame, incensed, and then the Catholicos of All Armenians offered a prayer to God.
Live piano music is played at the Genocide memorial from the morning.
The political and spiritual elite are laying wreaths at the memorial, and then red roses—at the Eternal Flame.
Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his wife Anna Hakobyan, President Armen Sarkissian, National Assembly speaker Ararat Mirzoyan and his wife and, and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) President-elect Arayik Harutyunyan have so far visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial.
10:57 French ambassador to Armenia tweets on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
The ambassador has also posted a photo of books about the Genocide.
10:46 Armenia President visits Genocide memorial in Yerevan
Today, on April 24, the day of commemoration of the holy martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, Armenia’s President Armen Sarkissian visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, and paid tribute to the Genocide victims.
Sarkissian visited the memorial alone.
Due to the current state of emergency in the country because of the spread of COVID-19, the ruling elite is visiting the memorial separately today, not together as has been done for years.
Later, the other officials will also visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial, but in separate groups.
The memorial will not be full of people this year, for the first time. All the roads leading to it are closed due to the COVID-19 epidemic, until 10pm Saturday.
Starting at 8am on Friday, however, people can send an SMS to the number 1915 from Armenia, and 0037433191500—from abroad. The names of the persons who send an SMS will be reflected on the columns of the memorial, thus announcing their symbolic participation and respect for the Holy Martyrs of Armenian Genocide.
09:59 Paris mayor on Armenian Genocide: We must continue the fight for historical truth
The mayor Paris, Anne Hidalgo, said that due to the coronavirus pandemic, she had to cancel her annual reception for the Armenian community in memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, which is traditionally held on April 24 in the French capital city.
But Hidalgo added that she will lay a wreath at the Komitas Monument.
“If we are not able to pay tribute to the memory of the Genocide victims this year, we must still remember them on this National Day of remembrance. Until the Armenian Genocide is recognized around the world, we must continue the fight for the historical truth.
Stay with us, your health is an absolute priority. But let’s stay true to paying tribute to the memory, no matter how difficult the situation is at the moment, both in Paris as well as in Armenia and Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh] which, as far as I know, have suffered a lot from the pandemic.
I am confident that next year we will pay tribute in normal conditions to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide,” Hidalgo added in her message.
09:16 Premier of Canada’s Ontario issues statement on 105th anniversary of Armenian Genocide
The premier of the Canadian Province of Ontario, Doug Ford, has issued a statement on the 105th anniversary of Armenian Genocide, Horizon Weekly reported.
“I am honored to extend greetings to members of the Armenian community, and to everyone honoring the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. I want to commend the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee of Toronto for raising awareness of this important event,” the Premier said.
“Today, we honor the victims of the Medz Yeghern. We mourn those who tragically lost their lives during this dark time in history, and we remember those who were displaced from their homes,” he added.
“This solemn occasion is a poignant reminder of the need to continue building a world free from violence and injustice. I say this to you as Premier of a province that cherishes its diversity and places great value on creating a peaceful and harmonious society,” Doug Ford stated.
00:05 Italian MP says not recognizing Armenian Genocide is another genocide
Giulio Centemero, Member of Italian Chamber of Deputies, member of Italia-Armenia friendship group assess the fact that many countries of the world have not recognized the Armenia Genocide yet as another genocide.
In an interview with ARMENPRESS Centemero said,
”The Armenian Genocide is a genocide aginst humanity. The humanity that was sacrificed to the ideology, insanity, supremacy of one governing group, which used the lowermost instincts trying to preserve its power. The fact that many countries have not yet recognized the genocide is another genocide that is repeated every year on April 24”.
He noted that not recognizing the justice for economic or political reasons is not only condemnable, but also very dangerous. ՛՛That means that humanity has not taken lessons from its mistakes. It means that we are still unable to live in peace. But I have a great hope in my heart, hope that is related with the small and great Armenian people. Thank you, Armenians, thank you Armenian nation’’, Giulio Centemero said.
The Italian Chamber of Deputies adopted a decision of recognizing the Armenian Genocide on November 16, 2000. In April, 2019 the Chamber of Deputies urged the Italian Government to recognize the Armenian Genocide. A number of City and Provincial Councils of Italy have recognized the Armeian Genocide.
00:01 French Ambassador in Armenia posts message dedicated to 105th anniversary of Armenian Genocide
French Ambassador to Armenia Jonathan Lacôte has posted the following message dedicated to the 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on his Facebook page:
“As every year on Armenian genocide memorial day, on April 24, the French Embassy in Armenia is in front of the Armenian Embassy in Armenia.
April 24 is also the national day of remembrance of the Armenian genocide in France.
The memory will start in Armenia on April 23th at 21:00 pm when the calls will be old, the city lights will be turned out and the Armenians will burn small lights or candles near their windows. A sign that everyone can do wherever they are found in respect The victims and participating in the performance of memorial duty.”
00:01 Foreigners can join in Armenia’s Genocide commemoration via SMS
Foreigners and Diasporans will now be able to join Armenia’s Genocide commemoration on Friday, April 24 by sending short messages to the number 0037433191500.
All you need to do is mention the first and second names of up to five family members, which will then be projected onto the walls of the Armenian Genocide memorial in Yerevan.
The opportunity of a symbolic participation in the commemoration comes amid the rapidly spreading coronavirus pandemic in the world. Armenian authorities said earlier that access to the memorial will be shut down for security measures.
Armenians living in the country and in Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) too can join the initiative by sending their names and those of their family members to the short number 1915.
A symbolic AMD 1 ($0.0021) will be charged for each message.
00:00 Address by the Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan of Armenia on the 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
April 24, 1915 is the day when a group of Armenian intellectuals were rounded up and assassinated in Constantinople by the Ottoman government. On April 24, Armenians worldwide will be commemorating the 105th anniversary of the Genocide, which continued until 1923. Some three dozen countries, hundreds of local government bodies and international organizations have so far recognized the killings of 1.5 million Armenians as Genocide. Turkey denies to this day.
About Post Author
